DTNA unveils Detroit ePowertrain for Freightliner electric trucks; invests $20 million in manufacturing facility

PORTLAND, Ore. — Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) last week unveiled the proprietary Detroit ePowertrain to power the upcoming Class 8 Freightliner eCascadia, as well as the medium-duty Freightliner eM2. The new powertrain is part of Daimler Trucks’ platform strategy to establish a uniform basic architecture for the manufacturer’s lineup of battery-electric vehicles around the world. In addition, DTNA announced plans for a $20 million dollar investment in the Detroit manufacturing facility in Detroit, Michigan, which will serve as the North American source of Detroit ePowertrain components.

“By utilizing our Detroit ePowertrain to power the Freightliner eCascadia and eM2, we are giving Freightliner buyers the same level of confidence that comes with our conventionally-powered portfolio, known throughout the industry as having the best total cost of ownership — bar none,” said Richard Howard, senior vice president sales and marketing of DTNA’s on-highway segment. “Nowhere else can buyers find the level of performance, support, quality, dedication to uptime, and engineering expertise as with our Detroit product portfolio. Our investment in Detroit — and in the city of the same name — harkens a new era for a storied name in the global automotive landscape.”

Initially, the Detroit ePowertrain will offer an eAxle design operating at 400 volts and be offered in two variants suitable for a variety of commercial vehicle applications. The single motor design is rated at 180 horsepower, delivering maximum torque of up to 11,500 lb-ft of torque, while the dual motor design offers up to 360 horsepower and 23,000 lb-ft of torque. The Detroit ePowertrain will be mated to the three battery offerings available for the eCascadia and eM2, including a 210 kilowatt hour (kWh) version, a 315 kWh version, and a 475 kWh version. Battery packs are comprised of arrays of lithium-ion prismatic cells. In Detroit’s first ePowertrain offerings, the maximum range specifications will exceed 230 miles on a full charge for the medium-duty eM2 and 250 miles for the Class 8 eCascadia tractor.

“The combination of Freightliner and Detroit has been delivering an incredible experience to our valued customers for over four decades,” said Rakesh Aneja, DTNA’s head of eMobility. “An integrated ePowertrain from Detroit respects that legacy and moves us into a new era for the industry by improving operational efficiency while simultaneously eliminating tailpipe emissions.”

The Freightliner dealer network will play an integral part in the future growth of both Detroit and eMobility by providing sales, support and service for the ever-expanding portfolio of Detroit engines, transmissions, axles, safety and connectivity technologies, and now, ePowertrain systems and battery packs.

Initial production of the Detroit ePowertrain is expected to begin in late 2021. The start of production for both Freightliner models begins in 2022.

For more information about the Detroit ePoweretrain, click here.

The Trucker News Staff

The Trucker News Staff produces engaging content for not only TheTrucker.com, but also The Trucker Newspaper, which has been serving the trucking industry for more than 30 years. With a focus on drivers, the Trucker News Staff aims to provide relevant, objective content pertaining to the trucking segment of the transportation industry. The Trucker News Staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.